Chris Igodan’s journey to finance, accounting and Ohio State was a global one. Check out the story behind this year’s Pace Setters Executive Award winner.

Meet the newest class of Pace Setters Award recipients and see how Fisher students, faculty and alumni differentiated themselves as leaders and difference-makers in and out of the classroom.

Meet Velda Otey (BSBA ’75), whose determination to succeed despite being the “only one” in so many situations shaped her professional journey to becoming the first female chief information officer and vice president in American Electric Power’s century-long history.

See how Mark Duhon’s (BSBA ’88) commitment to empowering low-income families in Chicago through education helped pave the way to his selection as one of 27 champions of diversity and inclusion.

Central Ohio CEO and entrepreneur, Dwight Smith understands the value of his business education. But to this day, it’s the lasting impact of the relationships he made as a student, business owner and volunteer that inspire him.

Joanne “Frank” Munshower has always been passionate about “Saturday Night Live.” This year, the Fisher graduate put that passion into practice as an intern on the popular sketch comedy show.

How can a workplace be more than just an office? Through the creative vision of alumna Rachel Friedman (EMBA ’02), who believes that a company’s brand, culture and workforce are all integral to creating a workplace that’s modern, appealing and authentic.

Former Green Beret Adam Carr (BA ’06, MBA ’19) took his elite military career to the executive suite so he could help build a safe space for veterans and first responders to transform their lives, and now he hopes to do the same for businesses, schools and private industry.

First impressions matter. Lori Castillo wasn’t anywhere near Ohio when Fisher showcased its commitment to student diversity, equity and inclusion. That lasting impression heavily influenced the Texas native’s decision to become a Business Buckeye.

Aisha Allen (BSBA '99, EMBA '14), vice president of culture, engagement and inclusion and chief diversity officer at OhioHealth, discusses her experience leading change management efforts within the diversity, equity and inclusion space.

Alumnus Mark Duhon (BSBA ’88) is putting his business degree to work leading a Chicago nonprofit organization that is successfully bridging the economic and educational gap for first-generation college students.

As an undergraduate student, Rachel Hartley (BSBA ’19) made sure global experiences were integral to her education at Fisher. Now, lessons learned from those experiences are continuing to pay off for her in the global software industry.

During his professional career that has now spanned more than 12 years, Bill Curry (BSBA '08) has had the opportunity to work with countless individuals and families navigating them through financial opportunities that have set them up for security well into the future.

An idea hatched among friends sparked Travis Smith (BSBA '99) to consider a new way to build wealth while helping anyone build a portfolio. The idea? Tribevest, a Columbus-based group-investment platform that launched in 2018 to help groups of investors create their own limited liability company (LLC), open a bank account, interact, vote and invest all within 48 hours.  

Women of the Wayuu culture in La Guajira, Colombia, have an advocate with a head for business, a heart for service and a love of fashion. The benefits sparked by Amber Hammond (BSBA '15) are rippling out within their community.

 As a student, Josh Meyer (BSBA ’13) completed a global internship experience at a small company in Australia. Eight years later, he was promoted to CEO. What’s his secret? Kaizen.

Sarah and Bryan Martin dispel an accounting myth, dispense advice to Fisher students and reflect on the impact Fisher’s Accounting Honors program had on their personal and professional lives.

Receiving the 2021 Pace Setters Executive Award gave Elicia Azali (BSBA ’05) an opportunity to reflect on the way Ohio State and Fisher impacted the story of her personal and professional growth.

Learn how Lisa Ingram (MBA '00) balances brand needs with shifting consumer preferences, and the #1 tip she gives to restaurant owners looking to scale their business

Grit and a keen sense of self-awareness helped Honors Cohort alumni Patrick Beebe (BSBA ’09) and Ian Schmitt (BSBA ’12) find the right professional fit.

As Melinda Whittington (BSBA ’89) transitions from CFO at La-Z-Boy Inc. to become the company’s next CEO, learn how her experience as a top finance officer shaped her outlook on issues including social responsibility, the COVID-19 pandemic and ethics.